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Walk by the Festival Theatre and, if you can see it behind all the snow, it looks pretty quiet.

Go inside and there’s a completely different story playing out.

“It’s a hive of activity. The first rehearsal is Monday and that’s for Crazy for You. In the weeks preceding that, so much has been going on inside these walls,” said Ann Swerdfager, publicity director.

The props department has been working flat out on Crazy for You, Man of La Mancha and Alice Through the Looking Glass.

The scene shops on Brunswick St. have been hopping too.

Office staff are busy at this time of year as well, but it is tempting to take a wander through wardrobe and props every now and then, Swerdfager admits.

“They just love to share what they’re working on. You don’t want to be annoying but ... I’ve never had anyone complain.”

The 78 wardrobe staff, 13 props staff and total of 13 wigs and makeup staff will turn designs on paper into three-dimensional reality over the coming weeks.

Sparks have been flying as massive metal sculptures are welded for the Alice Through The Looking Glass show.

“The metal workshops are busier than I’ve ever seen them for the spectacular pieces they’re making for Alice,” Swerdfager said.

In wardrobe, they’re building flower costumes and the iconic Alice costume.

The props department has “a secret surprise” for Humpty Dumpty. Shadow puppets of men on horseback have already been constructed for Man of La Mancha.

“They’re works of art in themselves,” Swerdfager said.

In contrast to the snow and cold temperatures, mini trees, flowers and a giant cactus make part of the basement of the theatre feel like a greenhouse. The trees and flowers are props modelled on a Stratford garden and will appear in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Swerdfager points out all of those skills from props to wigs were non-existent in Canada 62 years ago.

“A couple of people came over from England and laid the foundation. It’s been years of mentorship,” she said.

There’s a new hire in props this year, so that mentorship will continue, she added.

Meanwhile, office staff will welcome the start of rehearsals. Like the first sighting of a robin, the sound of tap shoes banging on the ceiling above and actors singing in hallways are signs of spring and another season to come.

There could be gongs and cannon fire too, depending on the productions.

“It’s noisy with things you’d never expect,” Swerdfager said.

In fact, last season, during the rehearsal period, office staff were trying to figure out what one of the noises was and how it applied to the play.

Turned out the noise was coming from another staffer’s cellphone.

The first show to start previews is Crazy for You on April 21. The season officially opens May 26 with King Lear.